The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is inviting proposals for pilot/feasibility research projects with a focus on improving cancer outcomes in populations that have historically experienced higher cancer burden due to barriers accessing timely and effective care.

These may include individuals facing economic hardship, limited access to healthcare, rural isolation or other challenges that impact health. Research that focuses on improving access, reducing delays in diagnosis or treatment, and supporting long-term recovery will be prioritized.

A primary goal of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is to encourage interdisciplinary and translational approaches to address real-world barriers and generate actionable solutions. Proposals that foster collaboration across institutions, clinical settings and public health systems are welcome.

The center plans to establish a Cancer Outcomes and Access Research working group to support the development and dissemination of best practices arising from this initiative. The purpose of the group is to support innovative pilot projects that inform larger-scale research aimed at improving cancer-related outcomes in underserved populations across the United States.

The pilot funding is for one year, and the budget should not exceed $50,000. The principal investigator must be an IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center member. Applicants may have received prior or current extramural research funding, but the proposed project should clearly be separate from previously or currently funded projects.

Applicants must send a notice of intent to apply to Vicki Clements at cancrfa@iu.edu by Sept. 22. The notice should include the names of all collaborators/team members and a one- to two-sentence description of the project and tentative title. Applicants’ eligibility will be reviewed, and they will be sent a response inviting a full application.

For questions about the funding, contact Clements at cancrfa@iu.edu.